Alright, let's break down the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G and the Realme C35. These two budget contenders have some intriguing differences that could sway your decision depending on what you prioritize.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison table focusing on real-world implications:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G | Realme C35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm | 164.4 x 75.6 x 8.1 mm | Xiaomi is shorter and thicker, while the Realme is taller and thinner. Differences are subtle, preference depends on hand size and grip. |
| Weight | 181g | 189g | Xiaomi is a bit lighter, which might feel better for extended use, although the difference is not substantial. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Both are very similar, a minor 0.1" difference won't be noticeable in most daily use cases. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2408 | Almost identical sharpness; both displays are good for their class. |
| PPI | 405 | 401 | Very similar pixel density ensures both displays look clear. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | Realme has an IPS LCD display which offers a standard quality display. | |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | Xiaomi's 90Hz refresh rate will feel smoother for scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G88 | Unisoc Tiger T616 | Xiaomi's Helio G88 offers slightly better performance in benchmarks and likely in daily use for gaming and general multitasking |
| AnTuTu Score | 253,100 | 230,726 | Xiaomi has a measurable edge in performance, good for slightly more demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 MP1 | Different GPU configurations, Xiaomi has better GPU performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Both offer similar standard camera performance for daylight photography. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm | 8MP, f/2.0 | Both offer similar selfie performance; Realme features a Sony sensor which could mean slightly better quality. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | None | Xiaomi offers a wide-angle lens which adds versatility. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both offer basic macro photography for close-up shots. |
| Black & White Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.8 | Realme offers a Black & White lens, which adds creative options. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps, 120fps slow-mo | 1080p@30fps | Both can record full HD video, Xiaomi has better slow-motion video recording capabilities |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, RAW, etc. | PDAF, CDAF, Panorama, etc. | Xiaomi's feature set suggests more versatility for advanced users; Realme has faster autofocus, and panorama. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar all-day battery life. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Both have the same charging speed, adequate but not the fastest available. |
| Features | Reverse Charging | None | Xiaomi can be used as a power bank for other devices, adding a bit of extra utility. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 | Android 11 | Both run Android 11, the experience will depend on the specific skins (MIUI vs Realme UI). |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac Dual-band | 802.11ac | Both support modern Wi-Fi standards, Xiaomi has Wi-Fi Direct and Wi-Fi Display too for more versatility. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1, aptX | 5.0, EDR | Xiaomi has a newer version with aptX for better audio quality; Realme with EDR |
| GPS | GPS, Galileo | GPS, Beidou | Xiaomi includes Galileo for slightly better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support dual SIM for two active lines. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB | 64/128 GB | Both offer up to 128 GB of storage. |
| RAM | 4/6 GB | 4 GB | Xiaomi offers a 6GB RAM variant for better multitasking performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, consider the 128GB variant if you need more space. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers | Basic audio | Xiaomi provides a more immersive audio experience with stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Both have a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for easy and quick access. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Xiaomi has better screen protection which is a very good bonus in real-life |
| Sensors | Biometric, Motion, Proximity | Motion, Proximity | Xiaomi has more sensors including biometric sensors |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G:
- Strengths: The Redmi Note 11 4G packs a punch with a smoother 90Hz display, a more powerful chipset (Helio G88), and better GPU for gaming. It also has a wide-angle camera, 4k video capabilities and reverse charging, and better screen protection. The stereo speakers provide a more immersive audio experience and a newer bluetooth standard.
- Competitive Advantages: The 90Hz display and the better chipset provide a smoother day-to-day experience, better gaming performance. Additionally, the wide angle lens gives more flexibility for taking photos.
- Limitations: Lacks a dedicated black and white lens, and doesnt have the fastest charging speed.
Realme C35:
- Strengths: The Realme C35 has a slightly larger display, and a black and white lens for photography enthusiasts, with an IPS LCD display and has a Sony sensor for the selfie camera. It has slightly better autofocus, panorama mode.
- Competitive Advantages: This phone will be better for photography with autofocus features and a B&W lens.
- Limitations: The 60Hz display is less smooth, and it lacks a wide angle lens. It also has a less powerful chipset and GPU which can mean less smooth gameplay or handling demanding tasks.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G:
- Ideal User: Gamers or people who like smooth scrolling, or want a versatile camera. Users who want more performance for their money, and do not need expandable storage.
- Use Cases: Casual gaming, smooth social media browsing, taking photos in different scenarios, and watching videos.
- Realme C35:
- Ideal User: Photography lovers who want to have some features to help with taking photos. Users who want a cheaper option for standard phone tasks.
- Use Cases: Social media, general web browsing, and those who want to take photos with a phone but don't mind less smooth performance.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you decide:
- How important is display smoothness to you? If you value smooth scrolling and animations, the Xiaomi's 90Hz refresh rate is a key advantage.
- How important are raw performance and gaming performance to you? If you plan to game or use demanding apps, the Xiaomi's chipset and GPU performance will be very important.
- Are you looking for camera features or better screen protection? If yes, Xiaomi will be a better option thanks to its better screen protection, and its wide angle lens.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Gamer: Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G for its smoother display and superior processing power.
- For the Casual User: If camera features are important and you prefer a larger display, then choose Realme C35, but the Xiaomi offers a better overall experience for most use cases.
- For Budget Conscious User If you're looking for a cheaper option and do not need advanced features, you can choose Realme C35 , but the performance of Xiaomi's makes it worth the investment.
My Choice
If I had to pick between these two, I would go with the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 4G. The 90Hz display makes a noticeable difference in everyday usage, making the phone feel more responsive and premium. The more powerful chipset is also a big plus, ensuring the phone handles daily tasks with ease and also makes gaming a smoother and enjoyable experience. For me, having that extra performance and the smooth display justifies choosing the Redmi Note 11 over the C35. It has more versatility, and also has much better screen protection, which is a really good addition that can help protect the phone from daily accidents.
